FOOD THYMES
SPRING 2013
(Peer Nutrition Counselor) Abigail goes to the grocery store to do her weekly shopping of “healthy” foods. Although she thinks her choices are smart, she is actually making mistakes. She wouldn’t have made these simple shopping mistakes if she had seen one of the Peer Nutrition Counselors (PNCs) at CSUN. She is a college student with little time and little money. She buys “healthy” foods but wonders why she isn’t feeling better or getting fitter. She booked an appointment with a PNC who worked with her over several weeks to educate her about how to read nutrition labels and choose actual healthy foods at the grocery store. The PNC helped make nutrition information “easily digestible.”
PNCs: Feeding the Passion By Sharon Pokorny
Even with just one visit, the PNCs at CSUN can help others make easy, simple changes to their diet that they will greatly benefit from. PNCs work with clients over the weeks to help them meet their goals and transform the way they eat to become healthier. The PNCs provide FREE one-on-one nutrition counseling to discuss any nutritional needs or any topic related to nutrition. It is offered at three locations on campus: the Klotz Student Health Center, the Student Recreation Center, and the Living Well Lounge. The PNCs make up a “large portion” of the nutrition education available to all students on campus. Becoming a PNC might be a little intimidating and scary for some, however it will be one of the best experiences within the nutrition program. If you have volunteered at a hospital, then interacting with strangers isn’t so uncomfortable. PNC’s use motivational interviewing to help clients create smart, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. One thing to note is that when a client schedules a follow-up and doesn’t show, do not take it personal. It will be hard not to because you will be thinking, “what did I do wrong, did they not like what I told them, etc.” Do not doubt yourself, maybe the person just forgot the appointment, something may have come up, or they just didn’t meet the goals you set for them and they are embarrassed. PNCs often fear “what if I don’t know the answer?” but the retained information from past nutrition courses will surprise you. Plus, most people looking for counseling have poor nutrition knowledge to start with, which is why the services of a PNC are sought. Whether you are a loud, outgoing person or a quiet, shy person, being a peer nutrition counselor at CSUN will have a lasting impression that will help further your knowledge base and give you a glimpse of what it is like to be a dietitian.
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